Auburn outlasts Texas A&M 43 to 41 in a four-overtime game on the Plains

November 23, 2024- AUBURN, AL – Texas A&M's college football playoff dreams came crashing to Earth late on Saturday night when that A&M receiver dropped the pass in the endzone sealing an overtime win for the Auburn Tigers. Clearly this was the best win that Auburn has had thus far this season – and likely the best win that Auburn has had in the last four disappointing seasons.

Auburn dominated the game earlier and looked like the far better team jumping out to a 21 to nothing lead by the middle of the second quarter; but Texas A&M came back. The game was tied by the middle of the third quarter and Auburn was trailing in the fourth quarters. Fans could see yet another win escaping their grasp – that had been the story of this season – but not tonight. Not this time and not in Auburn before a capacity crowd. An undaunted Auburn team fought back to tie the game with a field goal at the end of regulation. The two teams fought back and forth through four college overtimes until finally Auburn executed a two point conversion play and Texas A&M didn't\'t. That was enough to send Mike Elko and his crew packing back to College Station.

The win – only the second against an SEC opponent this year – improves Auburn to a 5 and 6 record. The win also allows Auburn to clinch bowl eligibility next Saturday in Tuscaloosa over the suddenly reeling Alabama Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl.

It was senior night in Auburn and the Seniors, with a little help from their friends, shined. Senior Quarterback Payton Thorne had his best game as a Tiger – throwing for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns with 19 completions on 31 attempts. Senior Running back Jarquez Hunter rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns. He has rushed for over 3,200 yards in his Auburn career raising him among the pantheon of great running backs that have played at Auburn. Senior wide receiver KeAndre Lamber Smith had 104 yards receiving on just 2 catches. Freshman receiver Cam Coleman contributed 128 yards receiving and two touchdowns with his seven receptions.

For Hugh Freeze the win showed to fans and critics alike that he can still coach and that he is building something for the future. Freeze could win over more hearts and minds with a win Saturday in the Iron Bowl. The win increases Freeze's record at Auburn to 11 and 13 in his two years leading the Tigers.

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